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Uploaded byJenny Benevento
R Kelly 101
The document explores R. Kelly's artistic expressions and the complexities of his life through David Ritz's insights, emphasizing the dualities present in his music and personal experiences. Ritz discusses the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how personal secrets influence creativity. It also touches on R. Kelly's relationships, his connection to McDonald's as a safe space, and the themes of desire and acceptance in his work.
R Kelly 101
- 1. It’s Complicated: R. Kelly’s Road to Trapped in the Closet (Remix) Jenny Benevento @jennybento jennyjenny.org selloutpodcast.com
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- 5. "I tape everything,but once I get their rhythms down, I throw away the transcripts and start writing in their voices," he says. "It's artifice, but it still has to feel genuine. You can hear people's voices in their work. Ray's speaking voice came right out of his singing. Cornel West has a very musical voice, like a preacher. With Buddy Guy, his voice comes out of his guitar — his riffs and the way he bends and cuts off the notes. It's all there.You just have to hear it." -David Ritz
- 6. “If they justwant to build a monument, I walk away. Sometimes it's tough...ultimately the artist is entitled to their own interpretation of their life." He mentions Billie Holiday's autobiography, "Lady Sings the Blues" (co- written by William Dufty). "It was excoriated for being inaccurate, but it's still invaluable, because it's her view of her life."-Ritz
- 7. Dichotomies sex jams/church music mama’s boy/thug writer/illiterate musical genius/laughable lyrics anti-cheating/pro-cheating no wrongdoing/pleas of forgiveness adult themes/obsession with childhood
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- 11. As a kid,I had a lot of secrets. Some were terrible, some were beautiful, some were both. There were so many secrets to stuff into my imaginary box, that I was running out of room.
- 12. Hiding Your Secrets Downlow Trapped in the “Closet”
- 13. Characters Based on Family
- 15. "Whenever my mother andI talked over tea, I remember how she would leave her lipstick print on the teacup. Seeing that moved me for reasons I'm not even sure I understand. So when I'm out with a young lady, chillin', and drinking tea, if she's wearing lipstick and leaves her print on the cup, I find myself falling in love with her--at least for the moment."
- 16. McDonald’s is his safe space
- 17. Pivotal McDonald’s Moments street performances When blowing off talk shows Purchasing the McD House After being acquitted During the middle of his Jay-Z concert While children are born
- 18. Ms. McLin Jealousy Lulu Death Chance Adult womanhood
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- 35. Barry White Isley Brothers Celine Dion Whitney Houston Toni Braxton Life Soundtrack Janet Jackson Batman & Robin soundtrack Michael Jackson
- 37. R Kelly Has Issues These issues make his music possible.
- 38. He wants you towant him. He needs you to need him.
- 39. "I'm at mybest when I'm wanted...and no good when I'm not. That's my kryptonite--when I'm not wanted."
- 40. “I love going where I’m celebrated, not just tolerated”
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- 45. “Welcome to theroom I call the Log Cabin, the beating heart of my recording studio, the Chocolate Factory.”
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- 48. "There are twosides to all of us. Everybody's struggling with something. Nobody's perfect!"
- 49. Sex & Church Pimpin & Proselytizing Cheating & Devotion
- 50. Jenny Benevento @jennybento jennyjenny.org selloutpodcast.com